-- Tigers for Tomorrow Untamed Mountain has received a $5,000 matching challenge grant from the Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation to bring a male African lion, Kazuma, who was living in horrible conditions in Guatemala for several years, to his new home in Alabama.

Tigers for Tomorrow still needs to raise $15,000 to transport Kazuma, who is in quarantine of the Aurora Zoo in Guatemala. He once lived in a circus near Antigua in a small cage. After being notified by Guatemalan officials the circus had to improved the conditions for its animals, the owner disappeared with Kazuma for year.

The lion traveled in the back of a pick-up truck as a side-show attraction. After police caught up with the owner, the lion was confiscated and sent to the Aurora Zoo.

Students from Crossville Elementary School have raised $1,200 toward the rescue. The transport team is scheduled to leave the U.S. Jan. 3 and bring Kazuma back to Atlanta Jan. 5. The challenge grant must be met by Dec. 30 in order to receive the $5,000.

Tigers for Tomorrow is a 501-c-3 non-profit exotic and native animal rescue, which is home to more than 140 animals. Each animal here was in need of a permanent home. Some were previously owned by private citizens, or came from roadside zoos, circuses or other facilities unable to or did not care for them properly. The animals that are here will stay with us for the rest of their lives.

The park is open to the public Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to

4 p.m., and closing at 5. No reservations are needed, but reservations are needed Wednesday and Thursdays. The park is closed to the general public on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission: $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 11. Private tours are available by appointment Wednesday through Sunday, $25 per person.

To donate, visit www.tigersfortomorrow.org (payment may be made through PayPal), or mail a tax-deductible check or money order to Tigers for Tomorrow, 708 County Road 345, Attalla, AL 35954.